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Key offseason dates for the New Orleans Saints

01/19/2025
Nfl Draft

By Ross Jackson

Here are the important dates for the New Orleans Saints you’ll want to keep an eye on, covering everything from the coaching search to all-star showcases, free agency, the NFL draft, and more.

January 20

In-person interviews can begin

Monday is the first day that teams with open head coaching positions can begin in-person interviews with candidates whose seasons have ended. Important names to watch include Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

January 26

Conference Championship weekend

The final showdowns for AFC and NFC champions will take place. This could end up being a key date in the Saints’ coaching search, depending on which teams are eliminated. Eliminated candidates would become eligible for in-person interviews.

January 30

East-West Shrine Bowl

The first collegiate all-star game of the offseason will kick off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Saints defensive assistant Matt Giordano will be coaching the defensive backs on the East Team.

February 1

Senior Bowl

The premiere collegiate showcase will take place following a week of practices in Mobile, Alabama. The Senior Bowl not only presents teams with a chance to get an up-close-and-personal look at some of the year’s top draft prospects, but it also serves as an important networking opportunity for their head coach search and eventual coordinator searches to follow.

February 9

Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans

If any head coach candidates are coaching in the big game, they will not be eligible to formally accept a position until after the game’s conclusion.

February 17

HBCU Combine in Metairie, Louisiana

Draftable HBCU players will get a chance to showcase their athletic testing in front of NFL clubs and scouts.

Feb. 18–March 4

Franchise and Transition Tag period 

The tags can only be applied during this range of dates.

February 22

HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans

The annual HBCU all-star game will take place at Tulane University’s Yulman Stadium in New Orleans.

Feb. 24–March 3

NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis

Much like the Senior Bowl, this event will allow teams to meet with players and also help to connect teams and coaches looking to fill or take roles. Invited draftable players will undergo important athletic testing during this week.

March 10–12

Free Agency Negotiation Period

Beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET on March 10, teams and agents can begin to negotiate free agency deals ahead of the official beginning of the new league year. During this time, teams and player representatives may agree on principle for new deals, but contracts will not become official until the opening of the free agency period, as the new league year begins. 

March 12

2025 league year begins

This marks the first day of the 2025 league year. At 4:00 p.m. ET, the official free agency signing period begins. Trading can also begin.

March 14

Third day of the league year

The third day of the league year is an important day for contract terms, in regards to guaranteed money. For the Saints, quarterback Derek Carr’s $30 million 2025 base salary becomes guaranteed on this day.

March 16

Fifth day of the league year

This is another important contract date. Often, guarantees for the following year will kick in on the league year’s fifth day. A $10 million portion of Carr’s 2026 base salary becomes guaranteed if he is still on the roster on this date.

March 30–April 2

Annual League Meeting in Palm Beach, Florida

April 7

Offseason workouts programs can begin for teams with new head coachesincluding the Saints

April 18

Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets

The Saints have only one exclusive right free agent, linebacker Nephi Sewell. New Orleans will be able to retain the rights for Sewell on a cost-controlled deal, without allowing him the chance to go out and negotiate with other clubs.

April 21

Teams with returning head coaches may begin offseason workouts

April 24–26

The NFL Draft

May 1

Deadline to extend fifth-year options for players selected in the first-round of the 2021 NFL Draft

The Saints have two players with eligible fifth-year options for 2026wide receiver Chris Olave and offensive tackle Trevor Penning. Due to the rising price of fifth-year options across premium positions, declining to pick up the option is no longer seen as an indication that the team is uninterested in extending a player beyond their rookie contract.

May 2–5 or May 9–12 

Three-day rookie minicamps will be held Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday

July 15

Deadline to sign franchise tagged player to a multi-year extension

Mid–July

Training camp can begin for rookies

Seven days after rookies report will be the veteran players’ mandatory reporting date.

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